Entertainment standards and classics come together for a good cause on Saturday, June 28, as Murfreesboro Little Theatre hosts a benefit for Polycystic Kidney Disease.
The family-oriented event, presented by Jatala National Polycystic Kidney Foundation, will run from 1 – 7 p.m., and include several standard attractions like moon bounces and games, as well as a showcase of classic entertainment memorabilia.
Those festivities are largely furnished by CJ’s Party Place, whose owner, CJ Jatala, is also the foundation’s creator. Most items for the memorabilia museum come from his personal collection and will feature several exceptional music souvenirs.
“One of our big draws is a showcase of some really rare Dolly Parton stuff,” Jatala said. “The first dress she wore at the Grand Ole Opry will be there, along with its maker, Lucy Adams. Even though she’s nearly 80, she wanted to be there, and she’s also bringing the bust she used to make Dolly’s outfits.”
Other items include a signed baseball from cast members of 1992’s A League of Their Own, as well as numerous mementos from icons of music and film.
After the family festivities end, karaoke will take place in the theater until 11 p.m. After years of working as an entertainer, Jatala proudly boasts one of the largest karaoke selections in the country, and promises to perform one of his well-known celebrity impersonations.
“I performed at the Sam Davis Home recently, and a woman came up to me afterward and told me I made her cry,” he said. “I asked her why, and she said, ?I could have sworn Marty Robbins was alive and on that stage.’”
By receiving $10 donations from each family that attends the event, as well as a $2 cover for the memorabilia showcase, Jatala hopes the yield will offer some relief to affected families.
“Many people with PKD, including myself, don’t qualify for health insurance,” he said. “And it gets expensive, especially since it can lead to diabetes, stroke, and liver failure. The only way to get rid of it is to get a kidney transplant, but the operation alone costs $50,000, and the anti-rejection medication costs over $300 a month.”
Over 600,000 Americans suffer from PKD, including Jatala and several members of his family. Moreover, countless people can be genetic carriers for the disease, and remain unaware, which is another facet to the fundraiser.
“With this, we’re also trying to raise awareness,” Jatala said. “You could have it and not even know it, or it could happen to a family member, one of your friends . . . anyone. When people donate to this event, they could be helping someone they know.”
For more information on the fundraiser, call Jatala at (615) 596-4591.
